The window to the Nuggets’ playoff dream is closing.
A 149-141 double-overtime loss to Miami Monday puts Denver two games out of the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference. For the Nuggets, who have not been good on the road (11-23), it was their fourth straight loss away. And their next five games are away from the Mile High City, including four against playoff-bound teams (Washington, Philadelphia, Toronto and Oklahoma City).
Two weeks ago, it looked like they were riding on cloud nine, winning 12 of 17 — including a four-game road win streak. But the wheels have seem to have fallen off as Denver has been just 3-5 since.
The bottom line is if the Nuggets want to have a chance at the postseason, they need to turn around this seven-game, 14-day road trip. They only have four games left at home, so winning on the road in a necessity. And the task is more difficult with leading scorer and defensive stalwart Gary Harris injured.
Head coach Michael Malone had a simple solution after the game: “The best cure-all is to win a game.”
— , The Denver Post
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What’s on tap?
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- NHL: Avalanche at Blackhawks, 6:30 p.m., ALT | Preview |
- Cactus League: Brewers at Rockies, 2:10 p.m.
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
NBA: Heat 149, Nuggets 141, 2OT
Full story |
Cactus League: Rockies 5, Rangers 1
Full story |
Must-Read
In Denver, Case Keenum will face what many quarterbacks before him have faced
With John Elway and Peyton Manning in the past, the pressure of playing QB for the Broncos is high. The team’s greatest successes have come with either Elway or Manning under center — and for a period, Jake Plummer too. Read More…
In Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black’s book, spring training stats just don’t matter
Bud Black doesn’t put much stock in Cactus League stats. In fact, the Rockies’ manager might consider copywriting the phrase “Itap just spring training.” Or “IJuST,” for short. Read More…
Colorado Avalanche has its top defenseman Erik Johnson back for playoff push
Bud Black doesn’t put much stock in Cactus League stats. In fact, the Rockies’ manager might consider copywriting the phrase “Itap just spring training.” Or “IJuST,” for short. Read More…
Quick Hits
+ Former Broncos second-round pick Cody Latimer signs with the New York Giants.
+ Should the Broncos pass on QB Baker Mayfield and draft a guard? Mark Kiszla answered this and more in yesterday’s Lunch Special.
+ Lakewood senior Camilla Emsbo wins Colorado girls basketball Gatorade Player of the Year.
+ Carlos Estevez will miss the Colorado Rockies’ season opener because of an oblique injury.
+ Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon was named the NHL’s second star of the week.
+ Colorado State coach Mike Bobo reacts to QB Collin Hill’s re-torn ACL.
+ Here are the top five Colorado State Rams football players with the most to prove in spring practice.
+ Gary Harris’ return date to the Denver Nuggets is still uncertain.
+ Colorado Mammoth to retire lacrosse legend John Grant Jr.’s No. 24.
+ Colorado State women’s soccer fundraiser nets over $11,500.
+ Yankees vs. Red Sox in London?
By The Numbers
34
Total number of points by in Denver’s loss to Miami. It was his fourth 30-plus points game of the season.
Parting Shot
Eric Musselman, Nevada’s basketball coach, can’t seem to keep his shirt on
There might not be a head basketball coach in the country who takes his shirt off in public as frequently and with as much relish as Nevada’s Eric Musselman. Read More…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
